pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Equipped for Faithful Living

Reading: Hebrews 12-13

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix your eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.”

Hebrews 12 continues the ‘heroes of the faith’ ideas developed ch chapter 11. We begin today with the encouragement to also run the race of faith, surrounded by this “great cloud of witness.” This would include those names in chapter 11 and those we can make in our hearts. To run this race we are invited to “throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix your eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.” Without these entanglements of this world we can better live a life of faith.

The author then turns to discipline and hardship. These work together, one ever strengthening the other. These partners benefit our faith, building us up in holiness, yielding “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” So, the writer says, “make straight paths… pursue the goal of peace… and holiness as well.” Living a disciplined life of faith, one will be drawn towards the city of God and to Jesus, the “mediator of the new covenant.”

The writer of Hebrews then declares that the faithful will receive a “kingdom that cannot be shaken.” Therefore, he or she says, keep expressing gratitude, keep serving in ways that are pleasing to God. Chapter 13 continues to unpack faithful living: love each other, open your homes to guests, visit the prisoners and the mistreated. Be free of the love of money. Be content. Remember and imitate your leaders. Draw close to Jesus and to “that city yet to come.” Do good and share what you have.

Hebrews draws near to a close with a prayer that the God of peace would “equip you with every good thing to do his will, by developing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ.” May this too be our blessing!

Prayer: Lord God, we invite your power and presence into our lives, equipping us to run the race of faith with endurance and confidence. Remind us of those who have gone on before us so that we can draw strength and encouragement from their example. At the front of this line, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our ultimate example of faith and love. Amen.


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Filled with Wisdom and Spirit

Readings: Deuteronomy 31, Deuteronomy 32, Deuteronomy 33, Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you.”

Today, on the 50th day of our plan to read through the Bible in a year, we close out the book of Deuteronomy. This is the close of the Torah, or the Law. Moses has been the central character and the driving force. We have been walking with Moses since day 16. That’s just over 200 pages in my Bible!

In chapter 31 Moses announces his death. Joshua is commissioned to lead next. The words above, spoken over and to Joshua, will guide his life and his leadership. Moses then stipulates that the Instructions (the Law) must be kept by the covenant chest and must be read every seven years so that all Israel will hear it and learn it. God then foretells the downfall of Israel. This couldn’t have been a surprise to Moses – he’s walked long with this stubborn and rebellious people.

God then commissions Moses to speak a poem to all of Israel. It is a witness against them, a warning to be remembered, taught, and heeded. Poetry is the format – it is both memorable and memorizable. Memory is key to obedience. The poem is part history, part promise of God’s mercy and compassion.

Moses then speaks from his own heart as he offers a blessing to Israel. In chapter 33 Moses gives blessings to almost all of the tribes and to all of Israel. The blessings are material and militaristic with some about faithfulness and God’s continued presence. This feels like a fitting end to Moses instruction of Israel.

Moses then climbs the mountain and sees the whole land that Israel will possess. Although still healthy and vigorous, Moses dies and is buried by God. The people mourn. Joshua is filled with Moses’ wisdom and spirit. He is ready to lead. To close, a poignant note from John Wesley’s commentary on Moses’ death: “God’s servants must die, that they may rest from their labors, receive their recompense, and make room for others.” So it is in the great cloud of witness and in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, what a life of faith Moses led. He was not perfect but he was an exemplary model of faith and trust. May we too walk faithfully, teaching by word and example, raising others up, passing along the faith. Amen.


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Arise, Lord!

Readings : Numbers 8, Numbers 9, Numbers 10

Numbers 10:35 – “When the chest set out, Moses would say, ‘Arise, LORD, let your enemies scatter, and those who hate you flee.’”

Today’s reading begins with the construction of the menorah (or lamp stand) followed by the dedication of the Levites. Moses sprinkles them with water to purify them and then they shave, wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. The whole community gathers and lays hands on the Levites, blessing them. Two bulls are offered – one for purification and one as an entirely burned offering. God reminds them that the oldest males were dedicated to God when the firstborn males died in Egypt. Terms of service are set for the Levites. They serve from age 25 to 50.

The Israelite community then celebrates the Passover. This is the first remembrance of this event. A concern is raised by those who are unclean. This is the group that cares for the dead. With a population of well over a million, death was a daily occurrence. Moses goes to God and God allows for them (and the immigrants among the Israelites) to celebrate the Passover.

The cloud that has descended in the tent of meeting when it was dedicated now gives direction for when to travel. Trumpets are made. They are used to gather the community or the leaders, to announce when to march, to lead them into battle, and to announce the start of festivals and months. After 11 months at Sinai the cloud lifts, the trumpet blasts, and Israel marches. They travel in the order laid out in Numbers 2 with the three Levite clans interspersed. The chest of the covenant leads the way. As they depart, Moses invited Hobab the Midianite to stay with them. He knows the land. Offered God’s blessings, he decides to stay.

Our reading closes with Moses’ words of blessing for their journeys. At departure he offers these words: “Arise, LORD, let your enemies scatter, and those who hate you flee.” When they would camp, Moses invited the Lord to be with them. At all times, God was with Israel. And sonit can be with us too – when we go out and when we rest. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, you ordered the lives of Israel and the Levites. Your plans and purposes were good. Open our hearts to the ways that you desire to order our lives. Guide us to walk according to your plans for us. Go before us to lead and protect us. Arise, O Lord, and be with us at all times and in all situations. Amen.


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Love and Seek to Follow

Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3 and John 13:21-32

Verse 1: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Hebrews 12 calls us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” We are pointed to Jesus’ example not so that we can be perfect but so that we can draw strength and encouragement from him. The author of Hebrews has just walked through the stories of the ‘heroes of the faith’ – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham… This is the “great cloud of witness” that he or she refers to in our passage today. It culminates with Jesus in Hebrews 13. Since this writing there have been many others who stand in this line. We are encouraged to strive to stand in that line. To that end the author writes, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” And then again, in verse 3, we are drawn back to Jesus Christ.

Jesus was the one who “endured” much from sinful men. One of these was Judas, the betrayer. Maybe you’re not like me, but I struggle with those who betray me. Anger and thoughts of revenge can creep in pretty quickly. That is not the example that Jesus sets for us in John 13. He lays it out there that one of the disciples will betray him, he identifies Judas, and he says to him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Jesus understands the frailty of humanity. He knows how easily we can get entangled in sin. There is no anger or animosity or thoughts of revenge.

And there’s one more thing. It is not something that happens in the Bible but it is something that I am sure would’ve given the opportunity. I say this based on the whole example set by Jesus in the gospels. Had Judas come and sought forgiveness, Jesus would’ve gladly extended it. He might’ve even offered it before Judas said a word. That’s the Jesus I love and seek to follow. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, you endured so much. Yet you willingly went to the cross, for these men and for me. You continue to endure much from sinners like me. And in love, I know you’d go to the cross again and again if that was what it took to save us. Lord, lead and guide me each day to model and share that love and grace for and with others. Amen.


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The Baton of Faith

Reading: 2nd Kings 2:7-15

Verse 13: “He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.”

Continuing to walk with Elijah and Elisha, we come to the Jordan River. 50 prophets stand at a distance as we hear Elijah and Elisha’s final conversation. Elijah parts the Jordan with his cloak and the two cross over on dry land, just as Joshua and the Israelites had done many years before. Elijah, the mentor, asks, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” Seemingly without hesitation, Elisha requests “a double portion of your spirit” from Elijah. Likely smiling inside, Elijah gives him the conditions of receiving this request.

As they continue to walk and talk Elijah is taken up into heaven. Elisha cries out in sorrow and tears his clothes as an expression of grief. Then we read, “He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.” This is a passing of the baton. Testing out how it feels in his own hand, Elisha inquires of God’s presence and touches the water with the cloak. Once again it parts. Clearly Elijah’s spirit is upon Elisha.

How have people in your life passed along the baton of faith? In my life I had parents who served the church. Their willingness to volunteer instilled that same spirit in me. Older pastors and congregation members that I’ve worked under and with have modeled leadership and faith, teaching me about maturity in these areas. In turn God has blessed me with opportunities to pour into youth and elders alike, building up their faith as we’ve walked and talked together.

I’m grateful for the ways that I have and will continue to both give and receive in the family of God. Join me today as we pause and give thanks for the people and the ways that God has and will work in our lives, both passing and receiving the baton of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, I am so thankful for the great cloud of witness in which I walk day by day, for so much freely and generously given and received. Continue to surround me with a great big community of faith. Amen.


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Faith Over Fear

Reading: Mark 4: 35-41

Verse 40: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith”?

Our passage today comes after many days of healing, teaching, and traveling. Jesus decides to cross the lake. In a boat with several others, they set out. Being tired, Jesus rests. It is natural for the fishermen among them to navigate the waters. A “furious squall” comes up and soon Jesus’ companions are fearing for their lives. They wake Jesus and say, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Their faith and trust is gone. Fear has set in. They question if Jesus even cares.

Back in my teaching days and even as a pastor, I would come home upset or bothered by something at work. At home, where I was comfortable, I would let out the emotion, usually not in a healthy or good way. The fear or anger or whatever other emotion I was struggling with would cloud my heart; it would affect how I treated my wife or kids. I would not take it to the Lord in prayer. I would not read my Bible for divine wisdom. I would unload on someone who had nothing to do with the situation.

The disciples turn to Jesus and say, don’t you care?! Turning to him and blaming him, they allow fear to speak. Jesus quickly addresses the source of their fear and then turns to the root of the problem, saying, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith”? I have been here. I’ve allowed fear and other negative emotions to seize the day, even though I knew Jesus was right there. I’ve let it build up until I’m at the point of crying out. When I could not go any longer and finally cried out to God, I too heard these questions. Later, after some time, like the disciples I too realized that I should have turned to my faith long before my fear won out. It is a moment of growth, a reminder to pray sooner, to delve into my Bible quicker, to lean into the one who is always present, right there in my little boat. May this be the choice made each time: faith over fear. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, when fear or worry or stress or anger or… begin to arise in me, remind me of the depth of your love, of the wideness of your grace. Remind me that you are always right there – close as a whispered prayer, nearby in the words of life that I can read. Turn me ever to you. Amen.


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Praise the Lord!

Reading: Psalm 148

Verse 14: “He has raised up for his people a horn”.

As we begin the week leading into Christmas, we begin with a beautiful Psalm that calls all of creation to praise the Lord. The psalmist begins by inviting the heavens – angels and the rest of the heavenly host – to praise the Lord. From there he invites the sun, moon, and stars to join the chorus of praise. And then the writer adds the “waters above the skies” into the choir. All are invited to praise the Lord because “he commanded and they were created”.

Beginning in verse seven the psalmist turns to the things of the earth itself. First, he invites the creatures of “all ocean depths” and then calls the lightning, hail, snow, clouds, and wind to join in. Continuing on with the created world the psalmist invites the mountains and hills, the plants, animals, and birds to add their voices to the chorus of praise to the Lord. All of the choir is now assembled, save one. Beginning in verse eleven the psalmist calls for all of humanity to sing out their praises to the Lord. From kings and princes to young men and maidens to old men and children, the psalmist declares, “let them praise the name of the Lord”. All of humanity joins all of creation in praising the Lord “for his name alone is exalted”.

In verse fourteen we get to the culminating point. The world and universe created by the Lord has been assembled. Because all has been created by the Lord, all are connected to the Lord. This very connection calls forth our praise. Yet in the earthly, created sense all of this is temporary. Even the stars and mountains, those things that seem timeless to us, even these will fall from the sky and will fall into the sea. In verse fourteen the psalmist writes, “He has raised up for his people a horn”. The horn is the horn of salvation. The horn connects you and me and all of creation to the eternity of God. The horn of salvation is Jesus Christ the Lord and he alone offers salvation. Jesus offers us salvation from the chains of both sin and death. Freed from all that binds, we are made brothers and sisters in Christ, freed to raise our voices to the one who saves. Freed and created, we will one day raise our voices as we gather around the throne. One day we will offer our praise to the Lord face to face with glory itself. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord, what a way to begin the week we celebrate the birth of your son, the horn of salvation! All praise to you, the Lord of all. May all I do and say today bring you the glory! Amen.


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Walking the Path Ourselves

Reading: Matthew 23: 1-12

Verse 12: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”.

For our third day in our Matthew 23 reading, we turn to the last section – verses eight through twelve. On Friday we looked at the call to living authentic faith. We must practice what we teach. If we say we are a Christian, we must do as Jesus Christ did. On Saturday we looked at motives and intentions. If we do good just to be seen or to draw attention to ourselves, then we are not really living out our faith. Our faith should center on an audience of one – the Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s passage Jesus centers our faith on the Master, on the Messiah – Jesus Christ himself. Letting us know the value of titles and accolades in God’s economy, in verse eleven Jesus says, “The greatest among you will be your servant”. Talk about an upside-down economy! Yes, the one willing to humbly do for others is demonstrating their faith well. They are living out the two great commandments to love God with all that we are and to love neighbor as yourself.

Today in our church and in many churches we will celebrate All Saints Day. We will pause to remember and name those that have gone on to eternity. These persons have finished their race and today we remember them and are thankful for their service to God, to the church, to the community, to the building of the kingdom of God. We rejoice in the ways that they have witnessed to faithful living. Our passage today closes with these words: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”.

May we exalt the Lord our God only. May we recognize humble service as the model that Jesus Christ set and as the way that the faithful saints have walked, seeking to walk the path ourselves. May we too one day hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant”.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the call to humble service. Thank you for all who have set and are setting the example for me. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example but we are ever surrounded by a great cloud if witness too. Thanks be to God. Amen.


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Perfect Love

Reading: Exodus 14: 19-22

Verses 21-22: “The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground”.

The Passover had been the final miracle before the Israelites packed in haste and fled Egypt. Amidst Egyptian cries of grief and heartbreak the people of God left behind slavery and oppression. Their mighty and powerful God has intervened and freedom lay ahead. After 430 years in Egypt about two million Israelites began a journey to their new home. After just a short time, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and his army heads out to bring the Israelites back. Camped up against the sea, they are filled with fear as Pharaoh’s army approaches.

As we pick up the story today, God acts quickly to protect his people as the pillars of cloud and fire both move between the Israelites and the Egyptians, creating a barrier neither will cross. Moses stretches out his hand and God drives back the waters of the sea. In verses 21 and 22 we read, “The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground”. As the people of God walked through on dry ground, a wall of water stood on either side. Talk about seeing God’s power up close and personal!

This image brings up two things for me. The first is the song “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music. In the bridge they sing, “You split the sea so I could walk right through it, my fears were drowned in perfect love”. It is such a beautiful lyric. The second thing I am reminded of are the many ways that God has acted in powerful and mighty ways in my life and in the lives of people I know. God has a habit of doing what he did that day in the desert – of entering our fear and doubt and worry, of walking with us to a place of safety, and of protecting us as we journey. God’s perfect love does indeed surround us and assured us of his presence. As you consider how and when our powerful God has intervened in your life, please take a moment or two to recall when God has led you through. Rejoice and thank God for his perfect love.

Prayer: Lord God, your power is amazing. Thank you for the times when you have provided a way when I could not see one. Thank you for the times when you led me, even though I did not think I could step forward. Thank you for your abiding and perfect love. Amen.


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Passing Faith Along

Reading: Matthew 10: 40-42

Verse 40: “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me”.

Today’s passage pairs well with the Romans 6 passage that we have been reading. Jesus is encouraging us to turn to others in the name of the Lord. In the opening verse Jesus explains the connection: when we serve another in Jesus’ name, if they receive our faithful service, they are receiving Jesus. And if the person or group receives Jesus then they also receive God. Whether we are giving a cup of water to a “little one” or if we are visiting a friend experiencing loss or if we are giving clothes or other assistance to one in need or if we share the good news, if we do so for the Lord, then that person or group is meeting Jesus in us.

As we share Jesus and God with others we are part of a long line of faithful witnesses. At some point we were the one receiving Jesus and God into our hearts. At some point the folks we share Jesus and God with will be the witnesses passing along faith. Together we form the “great cloud of witness” referred to in Hebrews 12. To serve others, to witness to our faith in Jesus Christ – they require obedience to God, a servant’s heart, and a willing spirit. As we are filled up today and go out into the world this week, may we seek to help all we meet to receive the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts. May it be so.

Prayer: Loving God, may the words that I speak and the actions that I take shine your light and love into the world. May I bear witness to you faithfully this week. Amen.